loss Definition

loss
noun losses

1. The act or fact of losing or being lost.

Example: paid for his stupidity with the loss of his driving licence
2. The thing, amount, etc lost.

Example: His loss of hearing was severe
Thesaurus: defeat, failure, debt, deficiency, misfortune, privation, damage.
3. The disadvantage that results when some-one or something goes.

Example: a great loss to the company
4a. The death of a close friend or relative;

Example: He couldn't come to terms with the loss of his mother
4b. The sadness felt after such a death.

Example: He did his best to console her in her loss

Idiom: at a loss

Puzzled; uncertain; unable to understand.
Example: Her tantrums left me at a complete loss
Thesaurus: unsure, confused, puzzled, undecided, perplexed, baffled, stumped, stuck.

Said of a selling price, etc: lower than the buying price.
Example: had to sell the car at a loss

Said of a company, etc: losing more money than it is making.
Example: trading at a loss

Idiom: at a loss for words

Speechless through shock, amazement, etc.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon.